If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that combines the rich flavors of beef with comforting pasta, this Homemade Beefaroni recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen, this dish delivers a delicious, savory experience that’s ready in minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving a classic comfort food, Homemade Beefaroni brings a wholesome, homemade touch to an all-time favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited.
Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that blend into a delicious, hearty meal.
Comfort Food Classic: Combines flavors everyone loves with a homemade twist.
Family Friendly: Mild, kid-approved taste that satisfies all age groups.
Customizable: Easy to tweak based on your preferences or whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This quick and easy Homemade Beefaroni recipe uses simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create rich taste, delightful texture, and a vibrant color in every bite.

Ground Beef: Provides the hearty, savory base that makes this dish comforting and filling.
Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and is perfect for this recipe.
Tomato Sauce: Adds acidity and richness, tying all the flavors together with a warm tomatoey flavor.
Onion & Garlic: Aromatics that build depth and elevate the overall savory profile.
Italian Seasoning: Gives a herbaceous kick that complements the beef and tomato beautifully.
Cheese (optional): Melted on top or stirred in for creaminess and that irresistible finishing touch.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.

Variations for Homemade Beefaroni

Feel free to personalize the Homemade Beefaroni recipe to your liking – it’s flexible and easy to adapt based on your dietary needs, favorite flavors, or what’s in your fridge.

Vegetable Boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
Spicy Kick: Include red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat.
Cheese Variety: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or parmesan for different cheesy flavors.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles for a lighter version.
Turkey or Chicken Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Homemade Beefaroni

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce and Seasoning

Pour in your tomato sauce and sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Mix the drained macaroni into the beef and tomato sauce mixture until fully coated. If using, stir in some shredded cheese at this point to melt into the sauce.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Transfer to plates or bowls and garnish as desired. Enjoy your quick, comforting Homemade Beefaroni!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Beefaroni

Use Quality Ground Beef: Choose a 85% lean option for the best balance of flavor and fat.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep macaroni al dente to avoid mushy texture after mixing with the sauce.
Simmer Sauce Gently: Low and slow helps develop richer, deeper flavors without burning the tomato.
Cheese Matters: Adding cheese off the heat preserves its texture and smooth melt.
Customize Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to perfectly suit your palate.

How to Serve Homemade Beefaroni

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add brightness and color, while a sprinkle of grated parmesan gives an umami boost to your Homemade Beefaroni.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the hearty pasta, or add garlic bread for an extra comfort food vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual bowls topped with melted cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, or bake in a casserole dish with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Homemade Beefaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion your Beefaroni into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for future quick meals.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I make Homemade Beefaroni gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta alternative, and your dish will be safe for gluten-sensitive diets without losing the classic taste.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a similar texture and protein content while keeping the comfort-food feel.

Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

You can, but you might want to blend them or simmer longer for a smoother consistency similar to tomato sauce.

What’s the best cheese to use for Homemade Beefaroni?

Mozzarella and cheddar work great for melting, but parmesan adds a lovely savory finish if you want to sprinkle some on top after cooking.

Can I double this recipe for meal prep?

Yes, this Homemade Beefaroni scales up easily and stores well, making it ideal for batch cooking and reheating throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Beefaroni recipe is a true kitchen lifesaver that hits all the right notes: fast, flavorful, and comforting. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but delicious enough to please any crowd. I can’t wait for you to try this classic comfort dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Enjoy every bite!

Homemade Beefaroni

Print Recipe

A quick and hearty Homemade Beefaroni recipe that combines savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners. This comforting dish is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes using simple pantry staples, customizable to your taste, and ideal for the whole family.

Author: Gloria
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta)

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups tomato sauce
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.
Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add Tomato Sauce and Seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the drained macaroni into the beef and tomato sauce mixture until fully coated. If using, stir in shredded cheese at this point to melt into the sauce.
Serve Warm: Transfer to plates or bowls and garnish as desired. Enjoy your quick, comforting Homemade Beefaroni!

Notes

Use quality ground beef with about 85% lean for the best flavor and fat balance.
Don’t overcook the pasta; keep it al dente to avoid mushy texture after mixing with sauce.
Simmer the sauce gently to develop richer and deeper flavors without burning the tomato.
Add cheese off the heat to preserve its texture and achieve a smooth melt.
Customize seasonings by tasting and adjusting salt, pepper, and herbs to your preference.
Optional variations include adding diced vegetables, a spicy kick with red pepper flakes, or swapping beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep pasta moist.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Homemade Beefaroni, beef pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, easy recipe, ground beef recipe, family meal, weeknight dinner